I don’t know about you, but this winter has felt very long. I think the real brunt happened when we unfortunately didn’t get much of a fall. It went straight from hot and very dry, to icy cold and snowy. There are only a very few times in my life that I remember it snowing in November, but definitely never more than an inch or two. We also experienced multiple days of brutally cold temperatures this winter.
Although I must say, I do really enjoy bundling up inside, with hot chocolate, and a book or board game, looking out the window at the beautiful snow falling from the sky. Yet, it is hard to contain my excitement at getting to experience little glimpses of springtime weather. Spring has always been one of my favorite seasons (minus the tornadoes—we could do without those!).
Winter has its own beauty for sure, but there is also the struggle that comes for many in the wintertime with seasonal depression or cabin fever. I am grateful, though, that we have many days of sunshine during the winter. I don’t think I could handle much of the winters in Washington State—cloudy, rainy, and gloomy, and the kind of wet cold that just sinks down into your bones.
Springtime is my favorite season because I love seeing the beauty that God has created all around us. The magnificent colors, smells, and warmth that can be seen, heard, and felt. The trees come back to life, birds can be seen and heard again, and everything feels like it’s waking up. The other day was so nice outside that we left our windows open overnight. In the morning, we woke up to the beautiful songs of the birds in the crisp air. It was in that
peaceful moment of listening that I realized I hadn’t heard birds in the morning for a long time.
I love that moment when spring starts to begin—there’s an excitement that builds within me for what I know is coming. I felt that the other day as I went around the house opening up all the windows. That feeling of fresh air rushing in, the smell of spring—it fills my heart with joy. Spring signifies renewal. I don’t believe it is a coincidence that the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ falls in this season. What we see happening all around us in
spring is a picture of what Christ has done for us. After what looked like death… comes life. After what felt silent and still… comes movement. After what seemed like the end…
God brings something new.
Just as the trees begin to bud again and flowers push up from the ground, Jesus’ resurrection reminds us that new life is possible—not just in nature, but in us. Because of Him, we are not stuck in what was. Because of Him, our past is not the end of our story. Because of Him, there is always hope for renewal, restoration, and new beginnings. So as you begin to see the signs of spring all around you, I want to encourage you to let it be a reminder of a faithful Savior. The same God who brings life back to the earth each year is the same God who is able to bring new life to your heart, your situation, and
your story. And just like spring, sometimes that new life starts small… but it is coming.
Pastor Jacey
